MANILA, Philippines - The Federation of International Cable TV and Telecommunication Association of the Philippines (FICTAP) held its 14th International Cable Congress and Exhibit at the Manila Hotel last March 7 and 8. The annual event is a gathering of cable owners and operators from all around the country. This year, FICTAP partnered with Viva Communications, Inc. and its new channel on pay TV, VIVA Channel for non-stop entertainment throughout the two-day affair.
Sam Pinto, host of Viva Channel’s Daily Top Ten, joined other special guests in the ceremonial ribbon cutting to open the exhibit. Anja Aguilar, who sang Viva Channel’s theme song Home of the Stars, kicked off the festivities during the opening lunch with an awe-inspiring performance. Delegates were treated to a dinner and full show at the Fellowship Night. The channel started the show off with a jaw-dropping dance number with upcoming stars Alexis Navarro and Sara Polverini from Pantaxa and Petra Mahalimuyak from Petra’s Panniest, accompanied by ACS dancers. Hosts Jimmy Marquez of Karaokray and Petra entertained the audience the whole night. Anja sang the upbeat version of the channel’s theme song, with upcoming rap star Pio Balbuena, and wowed the crowd with song numbers. Delegates went nostalgic with Gino Padilla, and were treated to the perfect harmony of The CompanY, who also went live and unplugged in Live at Amerasian. Jon Santos of The Jon Santos Show made a grand entrance as Sherap, his parody character of Erap, as requested by the FICTAP board. A special performance by the Annebisyosa, Anne Curtis ended the night with a bang.
Before the congress closed, FICTAP delegates were yet again treated to upbeat song and dance numbers by the group Eurasia.